… the White Sox have the parts to do a deal if they decide they’re not going to re-sign Paul Konerko.

What about Fielder to the White Sox for a package built around pitching and Triple-A first baseman Dayan Viciedo? John Danks certainly would get Melvin’s attention. Gavin Floyd might to a lesser degree and both Daniel Hudson and Sergio Santos have a ton of value. Hudson gives the Sox the flexibility to deal a big-league starter, assuming he doesn’t have to be in the package himself.

It’s hard to see the Sox having the will to keep Fielder long-term, however, which makes it a huge risk to give up young talent for 1 1/2 seasons of his mashing. But what if the Brewers are interested in Alex Rios, who is signed through 2014 at a level just beyond what they have paid Fielder? Trading for a veteran is easier than signing a proven player through free agency.

If Rios went to the Brewers in the deal, the Sox might be able to sign Fielder to a Teixeira/Howard contract long term. After 2010, he would replace Konerko and Rios on the payroll, with Andruw Jones (if the Sox can keep him) or Jordan Danks in center.

Fielder to the White Sox is probably a long shot. But so is Fielder staying put.

First, John Danks isn’t going anywhere. Now, if you think the Brewers will be interested in Dayan Viciedo in a Prince Fielder trade, you are smoking something. Same for Alex Rios.